Frequently asked questions

1. Is Vanthrex free?
2. Is it made by IBM?
3. How is it different from Code for IBM i?
4. Can I use it alongside Code for IBM i?
5. Do I need to install anything on the IBM i?
6. Where is my password stored?
7. Will saving a member lose the SEU dates?
8. Can two people edit the same member?
9. Does it support IFS source (git-based development)?
10. Can I connect to several systems at once?
11. Does it work on macOS and Linux?
12. How do I report a bug or ask for a feature?

Is Vanthrex free?

Yes. It is free and open source under the MIT License.

Is it made by IBM?

No. Vanthrex for IBM i is an independent project by Gaurav Gupta. IBM i is a trademark of IBM Corp.

How is it different from Code for IBM i?

Both bring IBM i development to VS Code. Vanthrex focuses on an all-in-one, guided experience: SEU-style source dates kept on save, F4 prompters for fixed-format RPG, DDS and CL, a lock banner showing who has a member, conflict protection, a table data editor, a system dashboard, jobs and messages views, and built-in RPG checks — with nothing to install on the server beyond SSH and Java.

Can I use it alongside Code for IBM i?

Yes. They are separate extensions with their own views and settings. Key bindings can overlap (for example Ctrl+Alt+C); change one in Keyboard Shortcuts if needed.

Do I need to install anything on the IBM i?

Only the SSH server must be running. For SQL, Java (5770-JV1) is enough — Vanthrex uploads and starts Mapepire itself. See IBM i setup.

Where is my password stored?

In the VS Code secret store, which uses the operating system’s credential manager. It is never written to settings files. Removing a connection removes its password.

Will saving a member lose the SEU dates?

No — with a Mapepire SQL engine, untouched lines keep their dates and changed lines get today’s date, just like SEU. With db2util, dates are reset.

Can two people edit the same member?

Vanthrex shows who has the member locked and warns before you overwrite a change someone saved after you opened it. It does not merge automatically; use Compare First.

Does it support IFS source (git-based development)?

Yes. Browse, edit and compile IFS stream files; the compile actions include IFS versions of CRTBNDRPG, CRTSQLRPGI, CRTBNDCL and RUNSQLSTM.

Can I connect to several systems at once?

You can save many connections, but one is active at a time. Click another connection to switch.

Does it work on macOS and Linux?

Yes — anywhere VS Code 1.85 or later runs. Use Cmd instead of Ctrl on a Mac.

How do I report a bug or ask for a feature?

Open an issue or use Q & A on the Marketplace page.